Given the myriad of roles and projects I have undertaken over the years, some might call me a Jill of all trades and a master of none. And I have to admit, I do tend to go off in many different directions, testing out new possibilities and exploring various interests in an attempt to quench my thirst for more. So when I'm not running about chauffeuring the kids, visiting with friends and family or heading off to work, you can find me scouring the net for the hottest shopping deals, exploring the latest ed tech trends, tweaking HTML code on my blog template, making greeting cards, creating invoices, editing photos, blogging, tweeting... You get the idea. Hence the reason why I need the power of a laptop and the portability of a tablet, such as the Intel-powered ASUS Transformer Book 100. 

With this 2-in-1 laptop powered by an Intel Atom processor, I have virtually all that I need at my fingertips. I can connect with my friends and followers via social media, edit photos using ASUS PhotoDirector, read the latest news story, and publish a new blog post. In fact, I'm writing this very post using my new Transformer Book. And thanks to the 1-year subscription to Office 365 that came with it, I can work on blog-related invoicing via Excel and use Word, Outlook, Powerpoint, Access, Publisher and OnePoint for any work-related tasks such lesson planning or creating rubrics, for example. 

Most recently, I have been attending several webinars that explore technology's role in education. The ability to be watch these webinars on the Transformer Book is significant, as is the ability to conference with colleagues in my professional learning network via Skype. The T100 will also prove essential once my online course begins in January, something I am very much looking forward to. I will be taking an additional qualification course on Integration of Information Technology in the Classroom. And then, come spring, I am hoping to attend the Ontario Modern Language Teachers' Association conference. With my new laptop in hand, I can take notes and follow along with any tutorials, share tips I've learned via Twitter, grow my PLN and even take selfies with friends, old and new. The fact that it fits perfectly into my purse is an added bonus and if I want to lighten the load, I can remove the keyboard and still enjoy full functionality in tablet mode.

The tablet is also perfect for my tech-savvy kids who like to explore coding games, watch YouTube videos or check out the newest movie release on Netflix. With Intel HD graphics that display vivid images, the kids won't get bored sitting in the back seat during the 1-hour trip to my parents' and the 10.1 inch screen is big enough to share between the two of them. In short, the Intel-powered ASUS Transformer Book 100 is ideal for the multi-tasking family in that it offers laptop power and tablet fun on the go.

In the several years that I have been an elementary school teacher and a mother of two, I have come across my fair share of tools and teaching strategies designed to help young children learn to read. Many of these tools had certain characteristics that stood out as effective in building upon the basic skills required to become a fluent reader. When I think of what makes a teaching tool so successful, I think of its ability to appeal to a variety of learning styles, such as visual, auditory and tactile. Combine this with a personalized reading program based on 25 years of research, that also motivates the learner by way of gamification, and you have a unique reading experience that supports the learner in a way that is fun and engaging. Enter Ooka Island, a game-based reading app designed to help build confident readers.

Given the educational value of Ooka Island and the creative design and functionality of their iPad app, I have given it 4 1/2 stars out five. I would have given it a full five stars if there were a way of adjusting the settings so that we didn't have to see the intro to every game. You do have the option of clicking on "skip" but I feel it's an unnecessary added step. I would also love to see the addition of new games in future version updates and, if possible, a way to access the library when offline.

Share your love of reading with a budding bookworm in your life by gifting them a subscription to learn to read on Ooka Island!

Available now for the web and iOS, so kids PreK to Grade 2 can play and learn anywhere.

The Gift That Lasts a Lifetime

• STARTER SUBSCRIPTION - $39.99 - Gift a 3 month starter subscription to Ooka Island and jumpstart them into reading. An excellent choice for any kid!
• 1 YEAR PROGRAM - $99.99 - Gift a 12 month subscription and watch them become a confident reader! Recommended to complete program.
• 1 YEAR + FIRST LIBRARY - $149.99 - Gift their first paperback library by bundling the One Year Program with a colourful collection of 11 Ooka books!

Sometimes the holidays are all about buying gifts and wrapping presents. But sometimes we forget that the best gifts of all are the ones you cannot wrap up and top with a bow. I'm talking about the gifts of happiness and joy, kindness and love. In the hopes of spreading holiday cheer, Koodo teamed up with Choir! Choir! Choir! to share a special rendition of The Cure hit, Friday, I'm in Love and surprising Toronto Christmas Market visitors in the Distillery District.

The Cure's Robert Smith was kind enough to provide the song rights to Koodoo who passed them on to Choir! Choir! Choir! with the aim of aiding their efforts to sponsor a Syrian refugee family. Watch the video featuring 80 talented Choir! Choir! Choir! singers as they create a random act of Happiness during one of the craziest times of the year:

As much as I am looking forward to Christmas vacation next week, there is still so much to do beyond shopping for gifts. There are decorations I'd like to put out, Christmas cards to mail and a house that needs to be cleaned before I can even fathom hosting guests. Since the holiday season can easily eat away at hard-earned savings, I have taken on a challenge to use RetailMeNot.ca to find potential deals and promo codes for non-gift related purchases. Think travel, entertaining and purchases for the home. Right off the bat, I noticed a hot deal - Save up to 50% off plus save an extra 15% off $100 at Sears. 

While browsing through their Bed & Bath department, I came across MaryJane's Home Organic Cotton Blanket. This will come in handy when we welcome overnight guests as we so often do for New Year's. I ordered a queen size blanket in sage which will fit our inflatable mattress perfectly. It was on sale at 40% off.

Next, I skimmed through their Kitchen department and came across an incredible deal - $250 off Kenmore/MD 9pc. Cookware Set Fusion Stainless Steel. I have been looking to replace some pieces from our original cookware set that have seen better days. I can't help but feel a little embarrassed to use these pieces when we have dinner guests so I was going to replace them individually. But this set was on sale for over 70% off, I just couldn't pass it up.

Given a budget of $250, I thought I would check out their luggage sale since we are planning an overnight trip and I have been crushing on Heys Hardside Luggage for the longest time. Well, wouldn't you know. Their fun "Fiesta" collection was on sale for not 50% but 75% off! I had just enough left in my budget to pick up a 30" upright that I'll be able to spot from a mile away. 

Long gone are the days of oversized desktop computers and floppy drives. We are now living in a digital age where mobile personal computers and cloud computing have become essential tools both in the workplace and in school. Tablets and netbooks are also becoming more commonplace in the home as well. In fact, we rarely use our desktop computer because we each have our own tablet that we can take with us from room to room or any time we leave the house. My newest tablet? The ASUS Transformer Book T100, a 2-in-1 laptop powered by an Intel Atom processor.

As one of a myriad of Intel Tablets on the market, the ASUS Transformer Book is an affordable option for students and for those looking to upgrade to a newer PC. The Intel Bay Trail Quad-Core processor, on which the Transformer is based, was designed with the multi-tasker in mind. I can have several apps open at once, easily switch between desktop and Windows 8 start screen, and quickly access apps by pinning them to the taskbar or by swiping in from the right edge of my touch screen.

For the tech savvy millennial, the 2-in-1 feature is certainly a practical one. There have been several instances when my children and my students want to show me something on my old laptop and instinctively interact with the screen thinking it is a touch screen, when it isn't. Having the option to touch an interactive surface makes learning more engaging and also makes the user experience more intuitive. The 10.1-inch capacitive multi-touch display of the Transformer Book T100 adds to the experience with Intel HD graphics that display vivid images.

The portability of the Transformer Book T100 is another key feature that I enjoy. It is small enough to fit in my purse but has a big enough keyboard that doesn't detract from the typing experience. The whole device weighs in at 1.07kg but to make it lighter, I can easily detach the tablet from the keyboard and use the on-screen keyboard for typing. I also use the digital keyboard even when the keyboard is attached because I use it to type accents, which comes in quite handy as a French teacher. All you need to is click on the keyboard icon to pull it up, press and hold a letter, then select the required accent. Voilà!

The Transformer Book T100 would make an especially great gift this holiday season for students. Since it includes a 1-year subscription to Office 365, students can take advantage of Excel, Word, Outlook, Powerpoint, Access, Publisher and OnePoint. Plus, they will get 1 TB of online cloud space, making it easy to complete and save assignments, avoiding potential dog-ate-homework catastrophes.

Disclosure: I received product to help facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Earlier this fall, I attended Best Buy Canada's Smart Home preview event in Leslieville where their super smart technicians had decked out a spectacular home with the coolest (dare I say sexiest?) smart tech I have seen in a long time. From smart cameras and smart lighting to smart locks and smart alarms, the place was outfitted from top to bottom with the latest and greatest home security gadgets. On the top of my list of must-have smart home products? Philips Hue Personal Wireless Lighting.

You aren't mistaken. You did just read, "wireless lighting." Using Smart LED light bulbs along with a hue bridge and your smart phone, you can have customizable mood lighting at your finger tips. You can adjust bulb tone and contrast, choosing from up to 16 million different colours and various tones of white. You can also use a timer that lets you set your lights to turn on and off when you're not home or have them gradually illuminate by a few degrees at a time to gently bring you out of sleep. Philips Hue lights aren't cheap, though, but they estimate these bulbs will last over 15,000 hours. The Philips Hue starter kit seen above will usually run you $200 but it is on sale for $50 off at Best Buy until December 24.

In addition to Hue light bulbs, Philips also makes Bloom Luminaire lights, Hue Go Portable Lights which you can take with you from room to room, LightStrips for unique lighting options and Hue Iris Add-On Smart LED Lights that are dimmable and are able to sync with your music. And if that isn't smart enough for you, Philips Hue also works with Nest.

When you purchase a Nest Thermostat, Nest Protect or Nest Cam, they recognize other 'Works with Nest' products in your home and learn from one another. For example, you can connect the Philips Hue app to Nest and when Nest Cam senses motion in your home while you're away, Philips Hue lights can turn on and off as if you were home. Nest's newest product is their 3rd generation Learning Thermostat. It remembers what temperatures you like, learns your schedule, and programs itself to save energy. The LCD display is ultra sharp and lights up when you approach. It is WiFi connected so you can control it with your mobile device, too. Then there's the Nest Protect WiFi Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm which can distinguish between levels of urgency in smoke and CO levels, and instantly send you alerts on your smartphone upon detection. And because it is part of the Nest smart home ecosystem, it can work with your Rachio Smart Sprinkler to turn on the outdoor sprinkler system when a fire is detected. How smart is that!

For more on the latest Smart Home products, visit the Best Buy Canada web site. And don't forget to check out some of the exclusive PayPal only deals at BestBuy.ca for more smart home product savings from December 12 to 14, 2015.

This year, shop a little easier with stocking stuffers from Genuine Thermos Brand. With something for everyone on your list, you can find fun and practical ideas including one of my personal favourites - FUNtainer Bottles. These bottles are made with an unbreakable steel interior and exterior, and have a hygienic push button lid with pop-up straw. My son still has his Spider-Man FUNtainer but he is now using his brand new Jurassic World bottle since he recently saw the movie and loved it.

There are so many licensed Thermos FUNtainer bottles and food jars available, such as Minions, My Little Pony and Disney Frozen. Isn't Olaf so cute? They are also available in solid colours as well. Thermos FUNtainer bottles can keep beverages cold for up to 12 hours and are currently listed on Walmart.ca for $14.97.

For the fashionista on your list, check out the Teal Drink Bottle. It combines style and convenience while maximizes temperature retention, hot or cold. In fact, it can keep contents hot for 12 hours and cold for up to 18 hours or more. It has a smooth flow design to help control the flow of warm beverages and, similar to the FUNtainer, a hygienic push button lid that is BPA-free and allows for one-handed operation. This one is perfect for my 10-year-old daughter who is getting too old for FUNtainer bottles.

What do you get when you cross Ross Petty with a wig? 

A handsome villain with a head of good hair. 

What? Were you expecting something funny? Because if you were, then you're better off going to the Elgin Theatre and checking out the newest Ross Petty production PETER PAN in WONDERLAND, The 20th Anniversary Family Musical. For two decades, Ross Petty has been delighting children of all ages with knee-slapping comedy, fractured fairytales, impressive dance routines, and vocal performances that will knock your socks off.

Belting out songs like there's no tomorrow is Canadian Idol finalist Steffi DiDomenicantonio as Wendy, a.k.a. Liza Minelli's doppelegänger. She brings a vibrant energy to the stage with her incredible singing and captivating presence.

Anthony MacPherson joins the stage as the beloved Peter Pan. Not only can he fly, he can dance, too. Seriously, this guy's got moves I ain't never seen! He also gets bonus points for rocking some tight tights. Dan Chameroy, however... this guy rocks anything and everything. I don't know a single person who can pull off blindingly bright outfits, bold makeup and hair so big you'd think it had a life of its own. He returns to the stage as TinkerBum, the love hungry fairy who never learned how to fly but has perfected the selfie. Her character is so funny, I would start laughing even before she opened her mouth. Is it any coincidence that she appears in each of my favourite scenes? I think not. Just wait for the slow-mo mayhem!

Jessica Holmes as Queen of Hearts, Jen Mote as #5, Jak Baradall as #6, Troy Goldthorp as #7, Dani Jazzar as #8 Photo Credit: Rachel McCaig Photography

Next up is Hallmark's Time for Cookies Snowman Techno Plush which features two utterly adorable snowmen and their pup. I love this one for the fine details and the ultra soft plush but watching these cuddly characters sing and dance makes this one hard to resist. You can save $15 when you purchase this plush with 3 Hallmark Cards. It also coordinates with Hallmark's "There's Snow Time Like Cookie Time" storybook, sold separately.

  

And they haven't forgotten about us Disney Frozen fans. Head into Hallmark to pick up a Will Anna and Elsa Miss the Ball? Puzzle Book. Read the story, build the puzzle and solve the mystery of the friends get to the ball on time. This set comes with a 24-piece puzzle and a softcover book.

Featured above are two gift ideas that would be perfect for teachers, I say. The first is a Nordic Clipboard Bundle that includes a 60-page notepad, two magnets and a pencil. The second is a festive Guest Towel and Basket Set. 

Of course, Hallmark has a very large range of greeting cards, including these Holiday Boxed Cards. They range from elegant to fun and are filled with heartwarming sentiments. 

Now don't go rushing off to your nearest Hallmark just yet. I have a Keepsake Kids My First Tree to give away. This huggable tree is made with soft felt fabric and is covered with large, colourful buttons for hanging Keepsake Kids Ornaments, sold separately. To be eligible to win, complete the Rafflecopter form below. Open to Canadian residents, excluding Quebec. And don't forget to check out Hallmark.ca to find more holiday gift ideas.

The holidays are just around the corner and have I got a gift idea for the preschooler on your list! I'm talking about Ooka Island, where children become confident readers. Available via the web and iOS, kids in PreK to Grade 2 can play and learn anywhere. Ooka Island is a game based reading program built on 25 years of research and scientifically proven teaching methods. And now you can share your love of reading with a budding bookworm in your life by gifting them a subscription to learn to read. Each subscription provides all-inclusive access to 1000's of educational games and 85 eBooks wrapped in a 24-level adventure.

Luckily, I have not one, but TWO one-year Ooka Island subscriptions to give away. Winners will receive a special code to use or that you can pass along as a gift. Simply complete the Rafflecopter form below.

You know, I'm all about convenience. 'Bout convenience. No trouble.

As many of you can relate, life is hectic enough as it is. I am constantly on the go, shuffling the kids off to school, rushing to work, picking the kids up at daycare, scrambling to get dinner on the table, cleaning, laundry washing, tucking kids into bed. Repeat. But whenever I have an evening free from chauffeuring my children to girl guide meetings, soccer practice, dance class or tennis lessons, I like to unwind and replenish with a healthy dose of vitamin S - Shopping! And of course, I never go shopping without my trusted friend. Meet Wallet. UGO Wallet.

UGO Wallet is a digital wallet for your smartphone that can be accessed through a free mobile app. It allows you to easily store and use loyalty cards and credit cards, and now boasts a great new feature - the ability to store and redeem gift cards. This spells good news for people like me who hate being tied down to their wallet which seems to always be overflowing with a mishmash of ID cards, credit cards, loyalty cards and those ever elusive gift cards. I cannot tell you how many times I've cleaned out my wallet to find a bunch of old gift cards with an unused balance that I had completely forgotten about.  

With the UGO Wallet app, I was able to store all of my existing gift cards so I can easily find them later when I go shopping. The clear advantage here is that I can use up the entire balance of these gift cards, thus maximizing my spending potential. Because really, am I going to spend 5 minutes at the register sifting through all my cards in the hopes that I find the one I'm looking for? Nope. I got rid of my card holder months ago when I traded it in for my UGO Wallet. Now I just need to tap on the "hamburger" icon on the top left of the UGO Wallet to access a drop down and click on "Gift" to see all of my available gift cards. And with the holiday season in our midst, that collection of gift cards will surely grow. The only difference is, this year, they will finally be used up.

Don't forget, UGO Wallet is not only a great solution for storing and using gift cards that are often forgotten or misplaced, you can also store all your loyalty cards and make quick, secure payments using participating credit cards on compatible Android and Blackberry phones. This means you no longer have to scramble for your wallet while at the register, nor will you miss out on potential savings and rewards that can be earned through loyalty programs. 

As if de-cluttering your wallet and simplifying in-store payments wasn't enough of a bonus, you can now back up your UGO Wallet to the UGO cloud so you can save your cards and use the new "restore" feature if ever you change devices. Thank you, UGO!

To learn more, visit www.ugo.ca and visit the UGO Wallet YouTube channel for "How-to" videos that offer step-by-step instructions on how to set-up and use all of these handy UGO Wallet features.

Disclosure: I am participating in a UGO Wallet influencer campaign and have received special perks as part of this affiliation. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.